(April 15, 2014- Washington, DC) - Blue Star Strategies, LLC today announced the inauguration of a global network with four global firms which will strengthen their presence in key international markets – Brussels, Hanoi, London and Rome. Given the complementary and interconnected work of the participating firms, Blue Star Strategies, LLC has tapped Strategis Communications in Brussels, Bay Global Strategies in Hanoi, Insight Public Affairs in London and Cattaneo Zanetto & Co. in Rome to join their network.

“With the firm’s growth over the years and our ability to have smart people on the ground in select countries, this is a win for our clients and potential clients,” said Karen Tramontano, CEO of Blue Star Strategies.

“We are delighted to bring these top notch firms into our network. Their strengths and contacts will enhance our work in these regions,” said Blue Star’s COO Sally Painter.

Strategis Communications based in Brussels, Belgium has been providing a range of globally renowned clients with strategic political, government and public affairs counsel and support services designed to promote and protect their business interests in the European Union and globally since 2006. Nick Blow of Strategis Communications has 20 years experience in European affairs from both in and outside the EU institutions.

"Working with Sally and Karen and their colleagues at Blue Star Strategies is always a great pleasure. Their level of professionalism, commitment and experience are second to none. In government relations, it just doesn't get any better or more fulfilling," said Nick Blow.

He advises clients on broad EU affairs strategy, legislative lobbying campaigns and political aspects of corporate communications. Before entering consultancy, Nick worked at the European Parliament as political advisor to a UK MEP and as a campaign strategist for social and human rights NGOs.

Bay Global Strategies based in Hanoi, Vietnam provides advisory services to help their clients understand and navigate the full business and government environment in Vietnam and beyond. Virginia B. Foote founded Bay Global Strategies, LLC with the goal to provide clients with critical knowledge and strategic planning for doing business in and with Vietnam. With over 20 years of experience in Vietnam and commendations including the President of Vietnam's Medal of Friendship (2007), Ms. Foote provides clients with top notch on-the-ground strategic advisory services, stakeholder engagement, and government relations.

“This is a great opportunity for Bay Global Strategies to be working directly with Blue Star. We have the same goals, passion for the issues and have worked together on several projects. I am looking forward to collaborating with the team on a regular basis, “said Foote.

Insight Public Affairs, named PR Week UK’s Specialist Consultancy of the year is a full service agency in London, England. Core services include: regulation and legislation, reputation management, market access and procurement, media, campaigning, and training and education. The agency was established in 2006, and advises a number of leading companies and organizations in the transport and infrastructure, gaming, life sciences, social care, and financial services sectors on their public affairs and communications strategies. Insight was launched in 2006 by John Lehal, having gained extensive experience running UK and international strategic communications programs. His clients include Betfair, Emirates, International SOS, and Pfizer, and John provides pro bono support to several charities.

“The work of Insight and BSS could not be more complimentary. In Karen and Sally we have found the best in class and the Insight team looks forward to further collaboration with the Blue Star team to further assist our mutual clients as well as ones we have yet to work with,” said John Lehal.

Cattaneo Zanetto & Co. is a lobbying firm based in Rome, Italy that specializes in government relations, regulatory and public affairs with branches in Rome, Milan and Brussels. The firm focuses mostly on multinational companies and international investors. Paolo Zanettoheads the Government Relations and Business Diplomacy practices at Cattaneo Zanetto & Co. Before joining the Public affairs industry, Paolo was in the Italian government service for 10 years, as a policy adviser on many topics, both in Italian and European institutions, and later on as ministerial aide in the Italian cabinet. Paolo is a regular contributor of national newspapers in Italy. He has published a handbook on political marketing (“(E)lezioni di successo”, Rizzoli-Etas, 2003). He has also published a book on the Microsoft antitrust case in the European Union (“Il caso Microsoft e il futuro della concorrenza in Europa”, Rubbettino, 2005). Recently he published a handbook on lobbying and public affairs (“Fare lobby”, Rizzoli-Etas, 2007) together with Alberto Cattaneo.

"Blue Star Strategies' insight and expertise in international affairs and business is extraordinary and it is a great honor working with one of the best strategic planning firms in DC," said Zanetto.

###

About Blue Star Strategies, LLC

Blue Star Strategies, LLC is an international strategic consulting, public affairs, and government relations firm, based in Washington, DC with offices in Europe and Latin America. We work across sectors representing foreign governments, political parties, and global corporations to help solve their business and policy challenges in the United States and in emerging markets around the world. Our team is comprised of experienced professionals with backgrounds in government, business, and multilateral and nonprofit organizations.